Long-term dalbavancin for suppression of Gram-positive chronic left ventricular assist device infections

Resource type
Journal Article
Authors/contributors
Title
Long-term dalbavancin for suppression of Gram-positive chronic left ventricular assist device infections
Abstract
Infection is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Prolonged suppressive therapy should be strongly considered and is often utilized in patients with recurrent infections when source control cannot be achieved. Dalbavancin is a promising option in VAD patients requiring prolonged durations of antibiotic therapy, especially when no oral alternatives are available.This case series included eight patients receiving dalbavancin for the chronic suppression of Gram-positive infections at Emory University Hospital and Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital.The overall incidence of breakthrough infections occurred in five out of the eight patients included in the study. One patient experienced an early breakthrough infection within 1 month of dalbavancin initiation. Another patient experienced a breakthrough infection within 3 and 6 months of dalbavancin initiation and the final three patients experienced a breakthrough infection within 6 and 12 months. The average duration of dalbavancin suppression therapy amongst all patients was 229 days and no adverse effects were reported.Dalbavancin is a promising option in patients who require long-term suppression for chronic Gram-positive LVAD infections given its unique pharmacokinetic profile and excellent tissue penetration. The utilization of biweekly dalbavancin infusions in our 8 patients prevented infection for an extended period of time despite some of the patients not being able to consistently receive infusions. Larger studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of utilizing dalbavancin for long term suppression of Gram-positive LVAD infections.
Publication
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
Date
2023-11-02
Pages
ofad537
Journal Abbr
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
Accessed
11/3/23, 2:53 PM
ISSN
2328-8957
Library Catalog
Silverchair
Citation
Rowe, S., Green, S., Albrecht, B., & Pouch, S. M. (2023). Long-term dalbavancin for suppression of Gram-positive chronic left ventricular assist device infections. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, ofad537. https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofad537
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